Rampant United sink sorry Swansea
Goals from Bailly, Lukaku, Pogba and Martial see Mourinho’s team record second straight 4-0 win
>> SWANSEA: Manchester United swept to their second straight 4-0 win to start the Premier League season by thrashing Swansea yesterday, with Romelu Lukaku, Paul Pogba and Anthony Martial all scoring again for Jose Mourinho’s side.
Centre-back Eric Bailly gave United the lead on the stroke of half-time with a close-range strike at a corner, and the visitors were comfortable in the second half before running amok in the final 10 minutes.
Lukaku slotted home in the 80th from a pass by Henrikh Mkhitaryan, who then set up Pogba to deftly chip goalkeeper Lukasz Fabianski i n the 82nd.
Martial, on as a substitute, scored United’s third goal in a devastating five-minute span when he finished a counter-attack with a low shot into the corner.
Eight goals scored and two clean sheets make for an encouraging start to the season for Mourinho, who has built an imposing and clinical team that looks equipped to challenge for the title.
This wasn’t the fast-paced United that demolished West Ham at Old Trafford on the opening weekend until the final 10 minutes, when Swansea’s defence opened up. The Welsh team, which sold their star player Gylfi Sigurdsson to Everton this week, has beaten United twice in August in the last three years.
The only time Swansea seriously threatened United was in the third minute when Jordan Ayew broke clear thanks to a fortunate ricochet, cut into the area and curled an attempted cross — with the outside of his right foot — against the crossbar.
Phil Jones also struck the bar in the ninth minute for United with an effort that came off his shoulder from Juan Mata’s inswinging free kick.
On Friday, Mourinho said United are satisfied with their transfer business and under no pressure to sign a fourth player in the current window.
“Unless something happens that puts us in the market again. Obviously, my plans were four but I also told [club executive vice chairman] Ed Woodward ‘No pressure from me, do what you think is best for the club’,” Mourinho said.
“I am happy with the squad we have. I’m ready to go without a fourth signing. My club did phenomenally well. I had four targets, we got three before first match. My club did great work. Also nobody is in doubt [about their future].